The anti-mugging squad formed by Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on Sunday to deal with the rising cases of daylight robbery in the capital has already arrested five suspected goons.

The five, who are suspected to be part of a criminal gang that has been terrorizing Nairobians will be arraigned in court today.

Tito Kilonzo, the city’s chief security officer for compliance and disaster management said the five suspects will be charged with robbery with violence.

Sonko announced the formation of the anti-mugging squad following a public outcry over rising cases of muggings on the streets, a crime that has spilled even to streets that were once considered safe.

“My office has today formed an anti-mugging squad which will work closely with Kenya Police,” the governor said.

The muggers, who are said to operate in a group of between five to 10, has moved from just stealing phones, jewellery and money to making away with spectacles and human hair wigs from unsuspecting ladies.

Kenyans were left in shock last week when a woman took a selfie of her bare head while on a public bus and went ahead to reveal how thugs made away with her wig. Another lady almost had her ear mutilated as a thief yanked off her gold earrings on Tomboya street.

A video that went viral last week of a man being mugged by the gang right outside the CFC Stanbic ATM along Kenyatta Avenue in broad daylight also send chills among city residents.

The county has marked Temple and Hakati roads as well as Moi and Haile Selassie Avenues as the hot spots for the muggings.

City Crimes Politically Instigated

While announcing the formation of the anti-mugging squad, Sonko accused some politicians and business people of funding the criminals.

“We have also received intelligence report that some politicians and business people are funding youths to terrorize people.We are on the lookout and several arrests will be made forthwith,” he said.